CHALLENGES IN PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC CARE WITHIN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the fundamental challenges of physical therapy care within Primary Health Care (PHC), emphasizing geographical and social correlations, while also discussing strategies to expand access to and improve the quality of services provided. It is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted through searches in the SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, and BIREME databases, covering publications from 2020 to 2026 in Portuguese and English. Initially, 30 articles were identified; following the removal of duplicates and the application of eligibility criteria, 10 were selected for detailed analysis. The results indicate that, although the role of physical therapy in PHC continues to expand—moving beyond the traditional, rehabilitation-focused model—significant challenges persist, including inequalities, limitations in the organization of resources and services, and a lack of recognition for the profession's community-based and preventive functions. Consequently, strengthening physical therapy within Primary Health Care requires public policies focused on the expansion and equitable distribution of the workforce, professional training, the reinforcement of multidisciplinary teams, and the adoption of strategies tailored to diverse territorial realities.